take offense
idiom
: to become angry or upset by something that another person has said or done : to be offended by something
He took offense when I suggested exchanging the gift.
—often + atShe takes offense at any criticism.
Examples of take offense in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Studies show that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by more than 25% in children and adults, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from dental products, according to the American Dental Association.
'Greatly take offense': RFK Jr. wants to find 'cause' of autism.
—
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Basically, people are thin-skinned and quick to take offense.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
In the comments section of the post, many Reddit users felt the woman was in the right to take offense.
—Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 1 June 2025
Be aware that people are quick to take offense or feel threatened.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for take offense
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Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Basically, people are thin-skinned and quick to take offense.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
In the comments section of the post, many Reddit users felt the woman was in the right to take offense.
—Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 1 June 2025
Be aware that people are quick to take offense or feel threatened.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for take offense
Cite this Entry
“Take offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20offense. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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